Tip From Google Leads to Child Porn Investigation, Federal Charges for Rochester Man

A Rochester man has been charged with receipt and possession of child pornography following an investigation by federal and local authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced.

Daniel P. Walsh, 58, was arrested after a criminal complaint alleged that he uploaded and possessed explicit images of minors. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation began in November 2024 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a report from Google, which flagged an account registered to Walsh for allegedly uploading illicit material. Authorities traced the account to an IP address linked to his residence.

Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Walsh’s home, seizing electronic devices that were later examined by forensic analysts. Prosecutors say the analysis revealed a significant number of explicit images involving minors. Walsh appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released under certain conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi. The FBI and the Rochester Police Department conducted the investigation as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which targets crimes involving the sexual exploitation of minors.

Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Walsh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.